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Andrew Brackman’s Resurgence

In 2007 the Yankees selected Andrew Brackman with the 30th overall pick of the MLB Draft. Brackman only fell down to the Yankees because teams were afraid to risk taking a pitcher who would need Tommy John Surgery. However, when the opportunity to land a potential ace arose, the Yankees jumped on it. In 2007 they signed Brackman to a 4 year deal which guaranteed $4.5M in addition to his $3.55M signing bonus and an automatic 40-man roster spot. Shortly after, Andrew Brackman underwent Tommy John Surgery. Brackman would not pitch again until 2009 when he struggled with the Single-A Charleston RiverDogs, as expected by a young man recovered from major surgery. A few people were actually ready to give up on the then 23-year-old with outstanding potential. However, in 2010, Brackman began the season with the Tampa Yankees but since then has been promoted to Double-A Trenton Thunder and has arguably regained his top prospect status, if you think he ever lost it.

The 6-foot-10 right-hander Brackman actually struggled a bit at the start of 2010 with Tampa, but picked it up and was promoted to Trenton in late June. Frankie Piliere of Fanhouse says that Brackman has topped out at 97 mph this year and has consistently maintained a velocity of 92-96 mph. Brackman is not an all fastball guy though. He has a swing-and-miss curveball and an average change-up which can improve. Piliere said that he has been impressed with how comfortable Brackman looks with his mechanics, even though he can struggle at times. Overall, Brackman has looked impressive this year. I highly recommend you read Piliere’s full scouting report on Brackman.

Andrew Brackman is still a couple of years, at least, from being a part of a major league rotation, but it’s hard not to be excited about what the future holds for the flame throwing giant.